Gulf Security Escalation: Kuwait’s cabinet condemned repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks, warning they threaten civilians and critical infrastructure, while Kuwait International Airport was hit and flights suspended; Bahrain also reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones as the US said it conducted “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island after the attacks. US-Iran Negotiations Under Strain: Iran denied US claims of plots to kill senior officials, as Marco Rubio told lawmakers sanctions relief would be conditional on Iran abandoning nuclear activities and the Strait of Hormuz reopening; meanwhile, reports said Iran stopped communicating with mediators even as Trump insisted talks were ongoing. Sanctions Pressure: The US Treasury sanctioned Iran’s largest crypto exchange Nobitex and three others, alleging sanctions evasion and IRGC-linked financial activity. Lebanon Front: Hezbollah said it struck Israeli positions in al-Bayyada, including rockets and attacks on Merkava tanks, as fighting continued despite ceasefire claims and UN calls for de-escalation. Iraq State Control Push: Iraq’s PM proposed linking US-backed investment to gradual disarmament, while US envoy Tom Barrack praised moves to place weapons under state control; separately, Iraq added power via Turkey and the Kurdistan Region. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan held calls with Armenia and the Netherlands, while Erdogan met Bangladesh’s PM via a Turkish FM visit focused on trade and defence ties.